Innovation in Language Learning

Given the rapid development of engineering technology and the internationalisation of the Czech labour market, good command of English for Specific Purposes (ESP) among engineers appears to be of crucial importance. In this study, the students from the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering (FST) were asked to comment on their needs and expectations about the content of the English courses they are provided with. These perceptions may greatly help to re-develop and innovate the English for Mechanical Engineering and Academic English courses offered by the Institute of Applied Language Studies at the University of West Bohemia, and engage students and teachers in effective language practice. The case-study method and sequential design were chosen in order to elaborate quality questionnaires to gather the results on students’ needs, wants and expectations concurrently. The responses to the survey were evaluated via frequency, correlation and factor analyses. The factor analysis intended to confirm the two unobserved dimensions represented by the survey which were labeled as “Pursuing further education” and “Finding a job”. Indeed, if students wish to pursue further education, they do not think about using their English at work and they are interested in learning about writing and citing sources correctly. The results of our study require further research and verification. This will be done by applying mixed research methods and interviewing selected students who took part in the questionnaire. The final step of the research will be to compare the current results with the feedback received from graduate students and prospective employers. The received conclusions are believed to result in developing modern high-quality language courses that will appeal to motivated students and their teachers.

Keywords: English for specific purposes, English for mechanical engineering, academic English, questionnaire, factor analysis, sequential design.

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